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Pearl Harbor

73rd Anniversary of the Attack

As the nation observes the 73rd anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Defense Department honors the men and women who sacrificed their lives, and those who fought to preserve the nation's freedom.

Even as Dec. 7, 1941, was a day of sacrifice and loss, "it was a day of gallantry and unquestionable heroism," Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson, commander, Pacific Air Forces, said during a remembrance ceremony on the 73rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Story

Retired Air Force Chief Warrant Officer Jay C. Groff Jr. was a 19-year-old airman when he jumped from his bunk after hearing a thunderous explosion outside his third floor barracks window, Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941. When he looked out the window, he saw a plane with a big red ball flying low to the ground strafing the airfield. Story

Proclamation

"On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to the souls lost 73 years ago, we salute those who responded with strength and courage in service of our nation, and we renew our dedication to the ideals for which they so valiantly fought."